The Heartbeat

The alarm and the toddler both wake me up. I stumble to the coffee maker and reach for my cell phone to listen to the daily audible Bible, while loading a full dishwasher.

The morning was harried and stressful. It was the first day back to our weekly homeschool program after a long Christmas break. Each of my kids arise and are dressing for the day. Still dark outside, the air was piercingly frigid. We busily hunted for shoes, jackets, and backpacks while we frantically rushed to pack seven lunches.

7:30 am.

We arrive at our destination and start unloading the van.

As the kids make their way to chapel, I visit with other moms. So far, a normal day for us. My reluctant toddler decides school isn’t for her today, so I’m dealing with clinging hands, trying to coax her into her room.